CARLTON fans would have been pleased to hear of the return of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer to VFL match simulation on Saturday.

Kreuzer made his return to match play for the Northern Blues after undergoing minor knee surgery in January.

“It’s really pleasing for both Matty and Carlton fans that he was able to get through about 40 minutes of match simulation,” Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser said.

“Initially it’s just an opportunity for him to go out and compete and play some football, which he hasn’t been able to do in recent times.”

The experienced ruckman will be looking to build up some consistency in 2019 after a frustrating season hampered by injury.

Ruck responsibilities have been shared between Matthew Lobbe and Andrew Phillips so far in 2019, but the Blues are sure to receive a boost in the ruck stocks when the veteran returns.

Fraser was excited to see the skilled ruckman show his strengths to put him in contention for senior selection.

“He is certainly a player that the boys love to have playing and they are looking forward to having him back out there,” he said.

“Obviously his ruck craft is really solid, but also his ability to follow up and put pressure on at ground level.”

The Blues are fielding one of the competition’s youngest midfields, with Sam Walsh, Paddy Dow and Will Setterfield making an impact over the three rounds.

With three close losses behind them, the young playing group is certain to benefit from an experienced head in the centre to counter any fade-out.

“The opportunity for him to compete really hard in the ruck gives our midfielders first opportunity from stoppages,” he said.

“I think the competitiveness is something that he brings as a natural player and he’s probably had that through his whole career.”

“You can’t underestimate that with a lot of young players around him.”

Kreuzer will be vying for senior selection ahead of the Blues Round 4 clash with Gold Coast this Sunday.